This week's 'ones to watch'

Chrissy Symmons catches up with the region’s best unsigned acts and meets the musical stars of tomorrow- this week, Naked Sunday and Fight The Bear.

Naked Sunday

Chrissy Symmons catches up with the region’s best unsigned acts and meets the musical stars of tomorrow- this week, Naked Sunday and Fight The Bear.

With a tendency to be both passionate and rebellious Naked Sunday say their sound is something” unfashionably fashionable.”

The four-piece band takes its inspiration from rock legends Guns 'N' Roses and delved into the world of the 1970s and 1980s to produce their tunes.

Despite possibly nicking beer from Roy Wood (of Electric Light Orchestra and other bands) and – like their name suggest – appearing in public naked, the group are powering to success with dreams for the top.

Although unsigned, vocalist Martin Stanyer, keyboard player Dan Smith, bassist Laura Stanyer and drummer Teg have produced a three-track EP for the nation’s listening pleasure.

Matt, who once met Duff and Steven from the old Guns n Roses, said about their material: “It’s passionate music from the heart that’s got rebellion through and through,”

He added: “But we can also have heartfelt moments too.”

Matt says the group is different to others because they embrace genres from past eras.

“We are throwing ourselves back to 1970s and 1980s rock yet putting a modern spin on it and as we aren’t in fashion we will never go out of fashion,” he said.

The group has been together for just under a year playing in a number of venues. They also have a future gig planned for the Robin 2 on August 12. Matt said: “We like to get naked on a Sunday and party hard. Lucky for the Robin 2 it’s a Friday night but I still may shed some clothes.”

The musicians are currently working on a single which is planned for release at Christmas.

“We have people from loads of countries screaming out two words ‘Tinsletown tonight’,” he said. The band's webpage is at www.myspace.com/nakedsonday

And over in Shropshire, Bishops Castle band Fight The Bear have just returned from Scotland after being selected to play T in the Park. The group, who draw their influences from the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, appeared on the BBC Introducing stage in front of festival revellers.

Jonny, from the band, said: “We have played many large festivals in the past but this was by far the biggest and was be a great opportunity for us.”

Ben Beddoes, bassist, said: “It was great for me to feel a part of the festival. I’ve been to quite a few large festivals before but to there to play was really special.”